Lucinda voted Badminton best

Lucinda Green is the runaway winner of our Fantasy Badminton readers’ poll with just over 61% of your votes.

The runner-up is Mark Todd (22%), with Anneli Drummond-Hay third with 11%’ only just ahead of new nominee Blyth Tait (6%).

Other nominations included Mary King, David O’Connor and Bruce Davidson.

Lucinda’s supporters were in no doubt.

“Surely having won six times on six different horses there cannot be another winner,” said Jackie Ahern of Reigate, Surrey, a feeling echoed by Jocelyn Templeman of Southwater, West Sussex, who added: “I fail to see how anyone but Lucinda Green could win this accolade’ it is an achievement which will probably never be equalled, much lesssurpassed.”

Even the anonymous voter who felt the comparisons we made were totally impossibly gave their vote to Lucinda, “the obvious winner’ a true grafter, she took some serious knocks but still came back with flying colours.”

However, Anneli’s supporters were confident of their rider. Anne Tezer from Kingston Maurward College, Dorset, said that after seeing a demonstration by Anneli “it was obvious that here was a rider of immense talent’ not only is Anneli still a world class rider, it was also fascinating to see her coaching three young riders on a variety of horses, all of whom improved greatly using her brilliant training methods.”

Other Lucinda Green stories you may enjoy:

Ride of my life: Lucinda Green

Lucinda recalls her most memorable ride which happened to be at the Los Angeles Olympics. A fascinating insight into how one of the world’s greatest ever event riders negotiated a tough corss-country course one hot day in 1984.

Lucinda’s guide to safer cross-country

Engine, line and balance plus the constant “channel” which comes from the rider keeping their leg on and riding forward into the hand, are vital for successful cross-country riding according to top event trainer Lucinda Green.